Sunday 9 May 2021

Considering my options.

I am considering my options, but thankfully not in that "where's the seam ripper" way; more just not wanting to commit until I'm sure.  There is a temptation for me to be so glad this is working better than the first layout that I just sew it all together to try and get to a finish as fast as possible.  Instead I am taking a deep breath and trying to give my quilting brain space to do its thing.  Also, as so often, I can see that I won't have enough of the very dark blue fabric to just keep going like this, so I need to build that into my ponderings.

First up, the thought came to me as I got out of bed that I could reverse the two blue fabrics, stripe next to the strings, darker one on the outside.  Like this.

I like the variation and on a practical level it is using more of the fabric that I have more of.

Next up, those tulips...hmm.  They look okay sitting on the edge (last pic, previous post), but are they blowing my socks off?  Nope.  In fact they aren't really drawing my eye at all.  So maybe if I mass them together, like this, they will be happier.
This seems more effective but in turn produces things to consider.  For instance, if I offset the next round of blocks, I am going to end up with gaps to fill, so the question is "with what?"  Ann's comment last time has made me aware that I don't need to offset both vertically and horizontally, so next time these blocks are out I am going to have a play with that idea.  In the meantime, this is what it would look like if I just kept going.
The little strips of strings aren't working for me here, but it was an idea worth trying.  I have a few tulips half-made, that I thought wouldn't be needed but I am reconsidering.  It won't take long to complete them and it is starting to look like the more of them I use, the better.  Also, it will help me to counter the shrinking pile of dark blue.

11 comments:

Julierose said...

I like how the tulips set together are looking. Finding the right setting can sometimes take a long time...nice work in progress...
hugs, Julierose

Quiltdivajulie said...

So much progress!

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I like the variation of moving the stripes in closer to the strings. And the grouping of tulips in the center with more in the corners seems like a really great way to balance the amount of navy fabric you have left. As always, I look forward to seeing where this puzzle takes you. :)

Robin said...

It is a surprise to me how much the blue stripe adds to the movement of this background. If it were all plain blue, it would be so boring.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Love the blue stripe on this quilt. It does add so much interest and movement.

patty a. said...

This layout is more symmetrical than what you usually make or at least what I have seen. Could that be the obstacle? I do like the striped fabric being used in different ways. I gives a lot of interest.

Janie said...

I like the hourglass look in the center of the small blocks.
Lots of design decisions happening here.

QuiltGranma said...

Your hour glass blocks look a little like butterflies hovering around the tulips. This is going to glow!

Ann said...

The stripe and dark blue are wonderful additions to this top. They set your strings and tulips off. Cutting the string blocks and resetting them was a good idea and they do look like butterflies at times. The dark blues make your khaki fabric shine. Sorry this has been difficult for you but I like where you’re heading. Good luck.

liniecat said...

You know, each time I look at those tulips, all I can see are cat heads without eyes and whiskers lol SORRY!!

Love the layout as your considering it now mind you - :)

Mystic Quilter said...

I just love the setting in your last photo Kaja!!